Testing and Evaluation

Testing:Having completed manufacture, assembly and wiring the next stage is to test the artefact to see howwell it performs. At this point it is necessary to revisit the requirements, as identified in the analysis,and test the operation of the artefact under these headings.A clear outline of the tests carried out as well as factual information resulting from the tests must bepresented. The tests must be designed such that they can identify to what extent the artefact satisfiesthe design requirements. Tests may show up shortcomings in the design of the artefact and this mayrequire some redesigning and manufacture to overcome these problems.

Evaluation:Evaluation affords the opportunity to reflect on the completed project. In carrying out the evaluationboth the process of design and manufacture of the artefact, the completed artefact and the test resultsmust be reviewed. Critical appraisal, as well as possible changes to future design, is an essentialcomponent of a thorough evaluation.The following points may be used to guide a complete evaluation:

the extent to which the model satisfies the brief based on the tests performed